Do you want better-looking teeth? If so, you're not alone. The cosmetic dentistry market is projected to reach 32.73 billion by the year 2026. That means there are tons of people out there desiring to improve their teeth.
If your smile has been looking a little dull lately, chances are you’ve been searching online for “teeth whitening near me”. Well, you’ve stopped at the right place.
In this teeth whitening guide, we’ll discuss how often you should whiten your teeth and provide insight on what to expect from professional teeth whitening. If your smile needs a makeover, keep reading below.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Before we discuss how often you should whiten your teeth, let's go over what teeth whitening is. Teeth whitening is the process of bleaching your teeth to make them appear lighter and brighter. There are different ways to whiten your teeth, including at-home kits, professional treatments, and over-the-counter products.
Teeth Whitening Tips
Now that we've gone over what teeth whitening is, let's discuss some tips to keep in mind if you're planning on whitening your teeth. Here are a few teeth whitening tips:
Talk to Your Dentist Before Whitening Your Teeth
For starters, you'll want to speak to your dentist. They can help you determine if teeth whitening is right for you and what the best method would be. You don't want to skip this step because it's important to get professional advice before you start the whitening process.
While some people can start a journey with no issues, others may have teeth that are more sensitive. Therefore, you'll need your dentist to help you find what will specifically work for you.
Choose the Right Method for You
There are many different methods of teeth whitening available, so you'll want to select the one that's right for you. If you have sensitive teeth, for example, you may want to consider an at-home teeth whitening kit that uses a lower concentration of bleaching agent.
On the other hand, if you want to achieve results quickly, professional teeth whitening treatment might be the better option.
Follow the Instructions Carefully
No matter what method you choose, it's important that you follow the instructions carefully. If you don't follow the instructions, you could cause damage to your teeth or gums.
For instance, if you're using an at-home teeth whitening kit, make sure to follow the directions on how long to leave the whitening agent on your teeth.
How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?
Now that we've gone over what teeth whitening is and some tips to keep in mind, you're probably wondering how often you should whiten your teeth. The answer to this question will vary depending on the method you choose.
If you opt for an at-home teeth whitening kit, you can typically whiten your teeth every day or every other day until you achieve the desired results. However, if you go for professional teeth whitening treatment, you may only need to whiten your teeth once or twice a year.
To sum things up, how often you should whiten your teeth will depend on the method you use. Again, be sure to talk to your dentist and follow the whitening instructions carefully.
Professional Teeth Whitening: The Process
If you're considering professional teeth whitening, there are a few things you should know about the process. Here's what you can expect:
- Your dentist will start by taking an impression of your teeth. This is so they can create a custom-fitted mouthpiece for you to use during the treatment.
- Once your mouthpiece is ready, you'll be asked to wear it for a short period of time (typically 30 minutes to an hour).
- During this time, your dentist will apply a bleaching gel to your teeth.
- After the gel has been applied, your dentist will use a special light to help activate it.
- Once the treatment is complete, you'll be able to see a difference in the whiteness of your teeth.
The entire process usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits: The Process
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you can do that too! Your dentist can give you whitening trays, and your teeth will gradually whiten over time.
Much like the first step on in-office whitening, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth in order to make custom-fitted mouthpieces. You'll be asked to wear the mouthpiece with a whitening gel for a certain amount of time each day (or as directed). Your teeth will gradually whiten over time with this method, and you'll likely see results within a few weeks.
How to Know if Professional Teeth Whitening Is a Good Option
While most people want beautiful, white teeth, you may be on the fence about whether teeth whitening is the right step for you. Well, here are some telltale signs that'll let you know:
- Your teeth are discolored or stained from coffee, tea, smoking, or red wine.
- You want to achieve results quickly.
- You have sensitive teeth and gums.
- You want to whiten your teeth before a big event, like a wedding or job interview.
- You've tried at-home teeth whitening methods with no success.
If any of these sound like you, then professional teeth whitening may be a good option.
Teeth Whitening Near Me: Helpful Teeth Whitening Tips
If you’re self-conscious about your teeth, a brighter smile will definitely make you feel better. Hopefully this information above helped you feel better about your situation. Also, you no longer have to search “ teeth whitening near me” because we’ve got you covered.
At A Healthy Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we can give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer teeth whitening services, as well as Invisalign, TMJ treatments, and more.
If you have any questions, call us at 803-366-7645 or contact us on our website!
